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Pink Warrior Mom –
Cassandra Padula Burke, Maryland USA
www.poweredbybling.com
I’m a mom to one daughter, Mackenzie, 11, and wife to husband, Joe, a Data Analyst. After battling breast cancer in 2010, I became a triathlete, runner, fitness instructor and blogger. My blog, Powered By BLING, started as a way for me to inspire others to live by my philosophy, “Challenge Yourself to Cross Your Own Personal Finish Lines”. Professionally, I have been a forensic scientist for almost 20 years and have appeared on Forensic Files. I have a bottomless supply of energy and love to “burn the candle at both ends.” I also own a travel agency and fitness coaching business.
Quote.
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. – Robert Brault
What I do well as a mom.
I make time for my daughter and also keep the lines of communication open. She and I have mother/daughter days where we discuss not only random topics but also life lessons.
What I learned from another mom.
It doesn’t really matter if there are dishes in the sink, unfolded laundry and the house hasn’t been vacuumed in two weeks. Creating memories and being silly with your kids should always be your first priority. The chores will still be there later, and long after they’ve grown up and left the house.
Lesson learned from my child.
Patience. It has never been my strong suit. Having my daughter point out the times I’m not being patient has really helped me learn to take a breath each time I feel myself losing my patience.
Successful motherhood moment.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer my daughter was four. One night she realized I was having a bad day. Although I tried to hide most of my pain from her, children don’t miss much. As if instinctively knowing what I needed, she walked into the mudroom and came back with a small slip of paper. It read, “Thank you for the world so sweet, Thank you for the food we eat, Thank you for the birds that sing, Thank you God for everything.” Then, she hugged me and told me everything was going to be okay.
Mom I admire
My mother, Nawasa Padula. She selflessly dedicated her life to raising my brother and me to be independent. Instead of doing everything for us, she would teach us how to do things and then encourage us to learn by doing. I’ve carried that lesson into my own parenting style.
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The post was previously published in the book amazing Moms Coffee Table Book and is reprinted with permission of the author.
Photo by Unsplash.